Dancing Gemini aims to rediscover his winning form in the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood, dropping both in grade and distance. The colt, trained by Roger Teal, has faced tough competition since winning the Flying Scotsman Stakes at two. After a strong second in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains and a challenging run in the Derby and Coral-Eclipse, he now returns to Group Three company over a mile.
Teal noted that the heavy ground at Sandown took a toll on Dancing Gemini, but he is now in good shape and ready for a more suitable challenge. Oisin Murphy will ride the colt for the first time, having previously been unable to in the Eclipse.
John and Thady Gosden’s Lead Artist, last year’s winner, is back with strong potential. He impressed in his debut, won his maiden at York, and finished third in the Henry Cecil Stakes. Juddmonte also fields Task Force and Lead Artist, with Barry Mahon highlighting the need to evaluate both colts further.
Roger Varian’s Al Musmak, who won the Henry Cecil Stakes, will benefit from a bit of rain and is in good form. Varian also has Boiling Point in the race, alongside Karl Burke’s Ice Max and other competitors including Charlie Hills’ Socialite, Joseph O’Brien’s Atlantic Coast, and Richard Fahey’s Native American.